SXSW and SXSW EDU offer many different session formats. Below are the formats you can choose from in PanelPicker.
SXSW:
- Book Reading (60 min, 1-2 Speakers): reading by a recently-published author.
- Core Conversation (60 min, 1-2 Speakers): Sessions with more direct interaction with the audience than a typical Panel format. Leaders engage and guide their audience in a lively discussion on the topic at hand. Audience size limited to approximately 50 participants.
- Fireside Chat (60 min, 2 Speakers): Conversation between two speakers (often a moderator and expert), discussing and dissecting a specific topic.
- Meetup (60 min, 1-2 Hosts): Networking event of like-minded attendees around a particular topic.
- Mentors (1-on-1): One-on-one session with an industry expert. The Mentor counsels each individual attendee for fifteen minutes, meeting with up to five registrants. For more information on how to apply solely for this format, please email sessions@sxsw.com.
- Panel (60 min, 4 speakers max): Diverse discussion around a particular topic. Four speakers max (including a moderator, if applicable).
- Podcast (60 min, 1-4 Speakers): Established episodic audio series around a given theme. Four speakers (including hosts) maximum.
- Presentation (60 min, 1-2 Speakers): A prepared presentation, interview or conversation. Live podcast recordings can be part of this format.
- Workshop (Length Varies, 1-2 Speakers): Deep dive sessions with more hands-on learning activities and specific takeaways for professional growth and development. Session time ranges from 90-120 minutes.
SXSW EDU:
- Fireside Chat (60 min, 2 speakers)
An in-depth interview, conversation, or debate that spotlights thought leadership and insights on a particular topic or area of expertise, followed by audience Q&A - Meetup (60 min, 1-2 speakers)
A networking session where facilitators encourage connection and inspiration around similar interests, issue areas, or affinity groups in a relaxed setting. Please note this is NOT a presentation-based session format - Panel (60 min, 3-4 speakers)
A dynamic and diverse discussion offering multiple viewpoints on a particular topic, followed by audience Q&A - Performance (90 min, 1+ speakers)
A musical, theatrical, storytelling, dance, poetry, or other performance that includes a workshop or extended Q&A to reflect on the value of the performing arts as a vehicle for deeper learning and offer takeaways for the audience - Podcast (60 min, 2-4 speakers)
For media organizations and existing podcasts, a conversation on topics across the education landscape, recorded in front of a live audience to be used as a future episode - Solo (30 min, 1 speaker)
A short solo presentation highlighting new and emerging ideas, followed by audience Q&A - Workshop (90 min, 1-3 speakers)
An in-depth, instructional program with hands-on learning activities and specific takeaways